Easy opening venting and resealable container closure

Abstract

A closure, set within an aperture of a container end wall, for gas tight containment of dissociating gasses that emit from carbonated beverage, whereby the container, such as a beverage container, becomes pressurized. The closure device, manufactured of a suitable plastic material, set within an aperture in a container end wall, includes a rim seal with an annular locking recess surrounding the aperture in the container end wall, providing a liquid and gas-tight seal. The rim seal includes a depending tapered inner wall, protruding into the container interior, with the larger diameter open to the container interior. Additionally, the rim seal is fitted with a narrow strip hinge on a lower aspect, and locking members located on an upper aspect. A sealing panel, having a small diameter gas vent hole, is set within the rim seal, connected by the narrow strip hinge. This panel is formed with a tapered outer depending wall with a like taper to the rim seal, such that the tapers cooperate in sealing engagement. Pressure within the container acts to compress the underside of the sealing panel and more tightly engage the tapers, providing a gas-tight seal. A tab member is connected to the sealing panel on an upper aspect. Lifting the tab separates the sealing relationship with the gas vent hole, exhausting the pressurized gas under the tab cover, resulting in dry venting. The tab also acts as a lever, to rotate the sealing panel from a horizontal sealing position within the rim seal, to an open position, secured within the container interior, thereby providing a pour opening. Returning the sealing panel to an original position within the rim seal, and repositioning the tab to a sealing relationship with the gas vent hole, reseals the container, providing a gas tight seal.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A closure, set within an aperture of a container end wall, for gas tight,containment of dissociating gasses that emit from carbonated beverage, whereby said container, such as a beverage container, becomes pressurize, 
 said closure comprising,    a combination of a rim seal portion, having a means for forming a seal-tight fit within an area defined by said container aperture, having an internal opening incorporating a tapered depending wall such that the larger diameter is open to said container interior, having on an upper aspect a retaining means, and on a lower aspect a means to pivotally attach a sealing panel;    said sealing panel having on an external periphery a depending wall with a complementary taper to said rim seal, dimensioned to fit in sealing engagement within said rim seal, located in a first sealing position within and against said rim seal, and having a means to be selectively rotated into a second stored position within said container interior, forming a pour opening;    a tab lift lever connected to said sealing panel proximate one end on an upper aspect, having a combination sealing-enclosing portion, a narrowed central portion, and a distal flexible lifting portion.    
     
     
         2 . A closure, as claimed in  claim 1 , including said closure being composed of an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         3 . A closure, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein increasing pressure building within said container is utilized to act upon said sealing panel, compressing said tapers into a tighter sealing engagement and preventing release of said pressurized gasses.  
     
     
         4 . A sealing panel, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a small diameter gas vent hole is located within said sealing panel, being covered in a first sealing position by engagement with said sealing portion of said tab lift lever, and selectively uncovering and progressively releasing said pressurized gasses, by rotating said tab lift lever into a second, opened position.  
     
     
         5 . A tab lift lever, as claimed in  claim 4 , whereby rotating and returning said tab lift lever to said first sealing position, re-engages said sealing portion of said tab lift lever, such that said small diameter gas vent hole is covered in a seal tight configuration.  
     
     
         6 . A tab lift lever, as claimed in  claim 1 , when rotated to a near vertical position, a small downward force is applied, rotating said sealing panel from within said first sealing position within said rim seal into said second stored position within said container interior, whereby a pour opening is available, and providing a means to return said sealing panel into said first sealing position within said rim seal.  
     
     
         7 . A closure, as claimed in  claim 1 , having said rim seal retaining means spread apart and snap back to capture and lock a portion of said narrow central portion of said tab lift lever, whereby said sealing panel, through said tab lift lever connection, may be secured in a locked sealing position in a horizontal orientation, and secured in a stored pour open position in a vertical orientation.  
     
     
         8 . A closure, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said enclosing portion of said tab lift lever is adapted to overlie said small diameter gas vent hole area, so any gaseous or liquid spray that may emit from said high pressure gasses upon opening, is constrained and shielded, providing dry venting.  
     
     
         9 . A small diameter gas vent hole as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said small diameter gas vent hole is located in a position close to said connection of said tab lift lever to said sealing panel, and located away from, in relative relationship, said rim seal retaining means, so as to produce a mechanical advantage at said small diameter gas vent hole area, assisting in compressing said sealing portion of said tab in a seal tight connection.  
     
     
         10 . An enclosing portion, as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said enclosing portion lower surface, hidden until said container is initially opened, becomes visible, and offers a location to display promotional, or other messages, using methods well established to advertise products or offer rewards or prizes.